What were brick stamps commonly used for in Roman architecture?

Brick stamps in Roman architecture served primarily to inscribe the names of builders, as well as other details such as the location of the manufacturing site and sometimes the date of production. This practice was significant in establishing accountability and recognition for the craftsmanship involved in building processes. By stamping bricks with identifying information, the Romans not only documented who was responsible for the work but also showcased the quality and standards of their construction, reinforcing the importance of individuals and companies within the architectural industry of the time.

The other options do not align with the historical function of brick stamps in Roman construction. For instance, while aqueducts are a notable aspect of Roman engineering, brick stamps were not specifically used for marking their locations. Similarly, while decorative elements in amphitheaters were significant, they did not primarily involve brick stamps, which focused on documentation rather than aesthetics. Lastly, indicating the dimensions of temples is less relevant because stamps were not typically used for measurements but rather for establishing authorship and provenance.